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Photo Nuts and Post is the third installation in the Photo Nuts series and it just launched!Written by professional photographer, Neil Creek, it gives you the tools you need to make processing work for you. Even if you have experience in editing, you can always learn new tricks.To celebrate, they are offering 33% off if you buy today -Click here to read more!

Monday, April 30, 2012

There are some photographer blogs that I follow just to drool over their amazing photos. I like certain styles, and PeekaBoo Photos is one of my favorites! I love the backgrounds she uses. Very tasteful and vintage looking. Photo envy!!!

Here is how she knew that photography was her calling...

As long as I can remember I've been into art. I grew up with both a grandma and mom that we're very talented artists. However, I didn't start playing with a camera seriously until college. I majored in graphic design and was required to take a couple of photography classes. I was immediately hooked. After winning a few school awards and feeling pretty confident, I got a job doing some product and lifestyle shots and learned a lot.

Once I had my first baby I decided I wanted to quit my job and start a photography studio in our basement. We invested in some lights and basic studio equipment and went for it. After a couple of years we got so busy that my husband quit his job and started helping full time. He started doing all the outside family shoots and weddings. I started focusing more on newborns and kids in the studio. We continually try to keep things fresh and new and not get stuck with the same backdrops, floors, styles, etc. We don't get bored and people keep coming back for different looks. With #4 child on the way, we're now in the process of trying to scale back the number of shoots we do by continuing to raise our prices. It doesn't seem to work. But it's a good problem to have.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

As the title says - this eBook is all about learning to observe and harness natural light to take beautiful images. I was just thinking about natural light the other day and how photographers should use it more. Images just look more beautiful and natural.

I understand that sometimes it's impossible to use natural light, but when you can, wouldn't it be great to know just HOW to take advantage of it?

What's in the book:

-Learn to understand the essential qualities of natural light -Master the technical components you’ll need to work with natural light, including exposure, metering, and the histogram -Learn expert methods to control natural light to suit your creative needs -Grasp the potential of harsh light, diffused light, fog, twilight, and other settings -Learn to sculpt light, create light interplay, reveal silhouettes, and more -Practice professional post-processing techniques to enhance natural light -Harness the countless creative possibilities that natural light affordsLots of detailed photos and great advice for photographers wanting to bring natural lighting into their world.

Because it’s packed with real-world advice, Mitchell has built a successful photography career by learning to harness natural light in any situation. His hard-won advice will save you years of trial and error, and help you get more from your photography, starting today.

This ebook covers all aspects of photography using natural light. It gives you the skills you need to conduct your own experiments with natural light—to breathtaking effect. Mitchell’s hands-on advice leads you from the essentials to more advanced aspects of natural-light photography. His field guide to natural light is supported by detailed case studies, tips and tricks, and clear illustrations to help you build up your skills super-fast.

Here is the great part...

You don’t need an expensive camera, high-end equipment, or stunning subjects to get real value from this ebook. Mitchell targets his advice to the photographer who wants to use natural light to maximum effect in every image they make

Wait. There's more!

It's 25% off - normally $19.99 we're launching this for 14.99!!(for a limited time - 2 weeks)If you were wanting to learn how to use natural light, now is a great time to purchase this!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I have a couple of weekends off before my wedding season will be taking over my life. This year will be my record for weddings. I know I should be excited. I love shooting weddings, but I'm actually regretting booking so many.

Why, you may ask?

Because I'll be so busy, I won't be seeing alot of the family. I know one may deem my business successful. I mean, I'm busy with clients, right?

Success comes in all forms. One may define success because they have riches. Another may associate it with doing something that you love. I like to think it's a combination of both, but to me, it cannot interfere with being a mom and wife-and me.

Entrepreneurs tend to get caught up in work and forget to take time off to live their life too. I think that if we don't do that, we will lose the passion that inspired us to do it in the first place. I'm afraid that I'm getting to that point right now. This is the very reason why I've sat down and took a long look at where I want my business to be a year from now.

I know I don't want to be the Jack of all trades if you may, in photography. I have a tendency of feeling guilty if I turn a client down because I don't want to take photos of babies, or shoot another birthday party.

I really would like to see myself shooting glamour by next year, in addition to weddings. Maybe offering the two as a package option for the bride for her husband. I think concentrating on a specific niche will make me feel less overwhelmed. This will help me get through this year, knowing it will be different next year.

I'm also allowing myself to take a vacation this summer as well. No work. No emails. Just the family and having fun.

Do you feel this way too? Are you overwhelmed with your business that you are losing your passion? What changes are you going to make, if any?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

If you haven't, you have got to try it out. In fact, other than being busy with weddings, I've been over at Creativelive soaking up their training. I've been learning things from Sue Bryce, Bambi Cantrell, Don Giannatti and other great photographers.

ALL FOR FREE.

If you want to learn more about lighting, your camera, marketing and more and you are on a strict budget, I would suggest watching their online seminars. Now, there is a drawback if you don't want to give up a whole weekend, or week watching it, you can purchase them at a discount of $99, or $149 if you miss the discount time.

This week is The Fundamentals of Photography. I'm watching it right now as I type this!